Briza minor
little quaking-grass
Mediterranean region and southern Europe
SunFull Sun – Part Shade
Overview
Briza minor is an annual grass in the family Poaceae, growing 8–24 inches (20–60 cm) tall and forming loose tufts 4–8 inches (10–20 cm) across. The stems are slender and upright, with flat green leaf blades 2–5 inches (5–13 cm) long. From late spring it carries open, branched flower heads of many small spikelets, each spikelet triangular to heart-shaped, 0.1–0.2 inch (3–5 mm) long, hanging from thread-like stalks that tremble and shake in the slightest breeze. The spikelets turn from green to straw-coloured as they ripen. The grass is native to the Mediterranean region and southern Europe and has naturalised widely in Australia, where it grows on roadsides, in pasture, and on disturbed ground. As an annual it completes its life cycle in a single season and dies after setting seed. It self-seeds readily and can spread into lawns and garden beds, and it is treated as a weed in some areas.
Native Range
Briza minor is native to the Mediterranean region and southern Europe. It has naturalised across much of temperate Australia and other mild regions, growing on roadsides, in pasture, on disturbed ground, and in gardens.Suggested Uses
Grown in cottage and meadow-style plantings for its trembling seed heads, and cut fresh or dried for arrangements. Used as a filler in mixed borders where its airy heads catch the light. Naturalised in informal and wild garden areas, with seeding kept in check where spread is a concern.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height8" - 2'
Width/Spread4" - 8"
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
green ripening to strawFoliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-9 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Water & Climate
Water Needs
Drought Tolerance
Drought tolerant when established
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Briza minor grows in full sun to part shade in most soils, including poor and disturbed ground. It needs little water and tolerates dry conditions, completing its cycle before the driest part of summer. It grows from seed sown in autumn or self-sown, germinating with cooler, moist weather. As an annual it needs no long-term care and dies after setting seed. Removing seed heads before they ripen limits spread into surrounding areas. It grows in soils from acidic to slightly alkaline.Pruning
Briza minor needs no pruning. Cutting or pulling the plants before seed ripens limits self-seeding. Dried flower stems can be cut for indoor arrangements.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 1 gallons
✓ Toxicity
Non-toxicPlanting Guide
Planting Methods & Timing
Planting Method
direct sow
Direct Sow Timing
autumn
Plant Spacing
6 inches